Managing Usage of Radio Access Technologies in a Multimode Communication Device

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments include multimode communication devices and methods for managing usage of radio access technologies (RATs). In various embodiments, the multimode communication device may prevent scanning for a signal of higher priority RATs when a communication link is established with a lower priority RAT and the multimode communication device determines that the device is stationary. Signal characteristics of the communication link and/or other resources that can detect when the multimode communication device has moved may be monitored. In response to a change in signal characteristics or another indication that the multimode communication device has moved, scanning of higher priority RATs may be reactivated.

BACKGROUND

A “multimode” communication device may include one or more SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) cards that store information for accessing mobilecommunication networks. Each SIM card enables the communication deviceto communicate via a communication network, typically using asubscription (i.e., a subscriber account). Each SIM card may beassociated with a different communication network that may utilize adifferent radio access technology (RAT), as well as a differentsubscription. A multimode communication device may include multipleradio frequency (RF) resource chains that each subscription may use,such as one or more cellular network transceivers, as well as one ormore short-range transceivers that support RATs associated with wirelesslocal area networks (WLANs) (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver, a Wi-Fitransceiver, etc.).

A multimode communication device may use RATs according to a priorityorder, which may be defined by network operators, users, etc. When amultimode communication device is powered up, the device may attempt todetect a signal of each RAT in the priority order, and may establish acommunication link with the highest-priority available RAT. If themultimode communication device establishes communication using a lowerpriority RAT (e.g., a second or third priority RAT), the multimodecommunication device will periodically scan for the availability ofhigher priority RAT(s), which consumes operating cycles and batterypower of the multimode communication device.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments and implementations include methods implemented on amultimode communication device for managing usage of radio accesstechnologies (RATs). Various embodiments and implementations may includepreventing the multimode communication device from scanning for a signalof one or more RATs other than the RAT of an established communicationlink in response to determining that the RAT of the establishedcommunication link is not a highest priority RAT and that the multimodecommunication device is stationary.

Some implementations may further include monitoring for one or morechanges in the established communication link, and scanning for a signalof the one or more RATs other than the RAT of the establishedcommunication link in response to detecting one or more changes in theestablished communication link. In some implementations, detecting oneor more changes in the established communication link may includedetermining that the one or more changes in the establishedcommunication link exceed a threshold. In some implementations,detecting one or more changes in the established communication link mayinclude determining whether a received signal strength of theestablished communication link has increased or decreased by an amountthat exceeds a threshold.

Some implementations may further include determining whether a locationof the multimode communication device has changed, and scanning for asignal of the one or more RATs other than the RAT of the establishedcommunication link in response to determining that the location of themultimode communication device has changed. In some implementations,determining whether a location of the multimode communication device haschanged may include monitoring a resource that can indicate a change inlocation of the multimode communication device for a signal indicatingthat the multimode communication device has moved, and determining fromthe signal whether movement of the multimode communication deviceexceeds a threshold. In such implementations, a determination that thelocation of the multimode communication device has changed may be madein response to determining that the movement of the multimodecommunication device exceeds the threshold. In some implementations, theresource that can detect a change in location of the multimodecommunication device may include one or more of a global navigationsatellite system receiver, a global positioning satellite systemreceiver, an accelerometer, a transceiver receiving a non-data bearersignal, a base station identifier, and an access point identifier.

Further embodiments include a multimode communication device including aprocessor configured with processor-executable instructions to performoperations of the embodiment methods summarized above. Furtherembodiments include a non-transitory processor-readable storage mediumhaving stored thereon processor-executable software instructionsconfigured to cause a processor to perform operations of the embodimentmethods summarized above. Further embodiments include a multimodecommunication device that includes means for performing functions of theembodiment methods summarized above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate example embodiments. Togetherwith the general description given above and the detailed descriptiongiven below, the drawings serve to explain features of variousembodiments, and not to limit various embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a component block diagram of a communication system suitablefor use with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a component block diagram of a multimode communication deviceaccording to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for managingusage of RATs in a multimode communication device according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 4 is process flow diagram illustrating a method for managing usageof RATs in a multimode communication device according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 5 is a component block diagram of a multimode communication devicesuitable for use with various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a component block diagram of a multimode communication devicesuitable for use with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to theaccompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of theclaims.

Various embodiments include methods implemented on multimodecommunication devices that improve resource consumption and deviceefficiency by managing usage of one or more RATs to avoid needlessscanning for a higher priority RAT while a multimode communicationdevice remains stationary.

The term “multimode communication device” refers to any communicationdevice that includes a programmable processor and one or more shared RFresource chains that are configured to support communications over oneor more subscriptions using a plurality of radio access technologies(RATs). Examples of multimode communication devices include cellulartelephones, smartphones, laptop computers, tablet computers, smartbooks,palmtop computers, wireless electronic mail receivers, multimediaInternet enabled cellular telephones, wireless gaming controllers, andsimilar electronic devices.

The terms “component,” “system,” and the like include a computer-relatedentity, such as, but not limited to, hardware, firmware, a combinationof hardware and software, software, or software in execution, which areconfigured to perform particular operations or functions. For example, acomponent may be, but is not limited to, a process running on aprocessor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both anapplication running on a communication device and the communicationdevice may be referred to as a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one processor or core and/or distributed between two ormore processors or cores. In addition, these components may execute fromvarious non-transitory computer readable media having variousinstructions and/or data structures stored thereon. Components maycommunicate by way of local and/or remote processes, function orprocedure calls, electronic signals, data packets, memory read/writes,and other known computer, processor, and/or process relatedcommunication methodologies.

A multimode communication device may include one or more SIM cards thatenable the communication device to communicate via one or more cellulardata communication networks, which may each communicate via differentRATs (e.g., LTE, GSM, 4G, 3G, etc.). Some multimode communicationdevices may also be configured to perform machine type communication(MTC). Some multimode communication devices may include additional radiofrequency resources, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transceivers, thatenable communications via wireless local area network (WLAN) RATs.

In many use situations, a multimode communication device supportingactive communications will remain relatively stationary for long periodsof time. For example, users of mobile communication devices often stopmoving to use their devices (e.g., while talking, texting, streamingmedia, using the devices as a soft Access Point (softAP), etc.) Also,many types of multimode communication devices are normally stationary.Some examples of normally stationary multimode communication devicesinclude wireless water usage meters, wireless electrical usage meters,parking meters, pollution monitors, street light monitors, maintenanceand repair sensors for machinery, weather and atmospheric conditionsensors, personal computers, wireless access points, and “Internet ofThings” devices.

Typical multimode communication devices select RATs to use forestablishing communication links according to a priority order. Thus,multimode communication devices typically scan frequencies of availableRATs in an attempt to establish a wireless communication link with thehighest priority RAT. If a wireless communication link cannot beestablished with the highest priority RAT, the multimode communicationdevice may scan for frequencies of a second highest priority RAT andcontinue in this manner until a wireless communication link isestablished. The priority of RATs may be pre-defined, such as by networkoperators, users, etc. For example, when a multimode communicationdevice is powered up or recovers from an out of service condition, thedevice may monitor for signals of each RAT in the priority order, andestablish a communication link with the highest-priority available RAT.However, if the multimode communication device establishes communicationusing a lower priority RAT (e.g., a second or third priority RAT),conventional multimode communication devices will periodically scan forthe availability of one or more higher priority RATs.

Scanning for higher priority RATs enables the multimode communicationdevice to use a highest priority RAT as service with such a RAT becomesavailable. Thus, the conventional operation of periodically scanning forhigher priority RATs serves an important purpose for mobile multimodecommunication devices. However, if a multimode communication deviceremains stationary, a higher priority RAT may never become available.

Scanning for higher priority RATs consumes operating cycles and batterypower of the multimode communication device. Thus, if the multimodecommunication device is stationary (and thus the available RATs areunlikely to change), scanning for higher priority RATs may be wastefulof communication resources, including communication bandwidth,processing resources of the multimode communication device, and storedpower of the multimode communication device.

Various embodiments enable a processor of the multimode communicationdevice to manage the usage of RATs by preventing scanning for higherpriority RATs when a communication link established with a RAT that isnot the highest priority RAT (a “lower priority RAT”) and the device isstationary. The various embodiments reduce the consumption of wirelesscommunication resources and power of the multimode communication devicewhen it is unlikely that a higher priority RAT will be detected. In someembodiments, the multimode communication device may dynamically switch acommunication mode from multimode to single mode while stationary.

In some embodiments, while a multimode communication device hasestablished a communication link with a lower priority RAT, the devicemay monitor for one or more changes in the established communicationlink that may indicate movement of the device. In response to detectingone or more changes in the established communication link, the multimodecommunication device may again scan for higher priority RATs. In someembodiments, the multimode communication device may again scan forhigher priority RATs in response to determining that one or more changesin the established communication link exceeds a threshold. In someembodiments, the communication device may dynamically switch from singlemode to multimode in response to detecting one or more changes in theestablished communication link.

Aspects of the established communication link that may be monitored mayinclude a traffic channel, a pilot channel, one or more out-of-bandchannels, and other channels. For example, the multimode communicationdevice may monitor for a change in the strength of receive signals fromthe established communication link. Either an increase or decrease insignal strength of the established communication link may indicate thatthe multimode communication device has moved with respect to the accesspoint with which the device is communicating. As another example, themultimode communication device may monitor for a change in the errorrate, such as packet loss or block error rate (BER), of the establishedcommunication link, which may occur when the device moves relative toaccess point with which the device is communicating. As another example,the multimode communication device may monitor for a change in an accesspoint identifier, a base station identifier, a timing error correction,and/or an access channel Comparing the observed change in signalstrength, error rate and/or other indication of movement to a thresholdmay enable the multimode communication device to reactivate scanning forhigher priority RATs only when the change is significant enough toindicate a substantial change in location of the device (i.e., thedevice has moved far enough that a higher priority RAT may have becomeavailable).

In some embodiments, multimode communication device may also oralternatively determine whether the multimode communication device isstationary by monitoring one or more resources (other than thecommunication link) that can indicate whether the location of themultimode communication device is changed. Examples of resources orevents that can indicate whether the location of the multimodecommunication device is changed include global navigation satellitesystem (GNSS) receivers, such as Global Positioning System (GPS)receivers, accelerometers, other RAT receivers (e.g., a Wi-Fitransceiver that may detect signals from an access point), locationinformation received from the network with which the communication linkis established, a change in base station identity (ID) on theestablished communication link. In some embodiments, changes in locationthat are detected by the multimode communication device may be comparedto a threshold distance, and a determination made that the location haschanged and scanning of higher priority RATs should be conducted inresponse to the change in location exceeding the threshold distance. Forexample, the multimode communication device may determine whether themultimode communication device has moved beyond a threshold radius orarea based upon GPS coordinates for a threshold period of time. If themultimode communication device detects a change in the location of themultimode communication device, the multimode communication device mayreactivate scanning of various RATs (which may be in a priority order)to determine whether a higher priority RAT is available.

Various embodiments may be implemented in multimode communicationdevices that may operate within a variety of communication systemsparticularly systems that include two or more communication networks.FIG. 1 illustrates a communication system 100 suitable for use withvarious embodiments. A multimode communication device 110 maycommunicate with the first communication network 120 through acommunication link 140 to the first base station 130. The multimodecommunication device 110 may also communicate with the secondcommunication network 125 through a communication link 145 to the secondbase station 135. The first base station 130 may communicate with thefirst communication network 120 over a wired or wireless communicationlink 150, and the second base station 135 may communicate with thesecond communication network 125 over a wired or wireless communicationlink 155. The communication links 150 and 155 may include fiber opticbackhaul links, microwave backhaul links, and other suitablecommunication links.

Each of the communication networks 120 and 125 may supportcommunications using one or more RATs, and each of the wirelesscommunication links 140 and 145 may include cellular connections thatmay be made through two-way wireless communication links using one ormore RATs. Examples of RATs may include 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE),Global System for Mobility (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),WCDMA, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Worldwide Interoperabilityfor Microwave Access (WiMAX), Single-Carrier Radio TransmissionTechnology (1xRTT), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), and other RATs.RATs may also include short-range communication protocols of theInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802 family ofprotocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Bluetooth, etc.). While thecommunication links 140 and 145 are illustrated as single links, each ofthe communication links may include a plurality of frequencies orfrequency bands, each of which may include a plurality of logicalchannels. Additionally, each of the communication links 140 and 145 mayutilize more than one RAT.

FIG. 2 is a component block diagram of a multimode communication device200 suitable for implementing various embodiments. With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, in various embodiments, the multimode communicationdevice 200 may be similar to the multimode communication device 110. Themultimode communication device 200 may include a first SIM interface 202a, which may receive a first identity module SIM-1 204 a that may beassociated with a first subscription. The multimode communication device200 may optionally also include a second SIM interface 202 b, which mayreceive a second identity module SIM-2 204 b that may be associated witha second subscription.

A SIM in various embodiments may be a Universal Integrated Circuit Card(UICC) that is configured with SIM and/or USIM (Universal SubscriberIdentity Module) applications, enabling access to, for example, GSMand/or Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks. TheUICC may also provide storage for a phone book and other applications.Alternatively, in a CDMA network, a SIM may be a UICC removable useridentity module (R-UIM) or a CDMA subscriber identity module (CSIM) on acard. Each SIM card may have a CPU, ROM, RAM, EEPROM and I/O circuits. ASIM used in various embodiments may contain user account information, aninternational mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), a set of SIMapplication toolkit (SAT) commands and storage space for phone bookcontacts. A SIM card may further store a Home-Public-Land-Mobile-Network(HPLMN) code to indicate the SIM card network operator provider. AnIntegrated Circuit Card Identity (ICCID) SIM serial number may beprinted on the SIM card for identification.

The multimode communication device 200 may include at least onecontroller, such as a general-purpose processor 206, which may becoupled to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 208. The CODEC 208 may in turn becoupled to a speaker 210 and a microphone 212. The general-purposeprocessor 206 may also be coupled to at least one memory 214. The memory214 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that storesprocessor-executable instructions. The memory 214 may store an operatingsystem (OS), as well as user application software and executableinstructions. The memory 214 may also store application data, such as anarray data structure.

The general-purpose processor 206 may be coupled to a modem 230. Themodem 230 may include at least one baseband modem processor 216, whichmay be coupled to a memory 222 and a modulator/demodulator 228. Thebaseband modem processor 216 may include physically or logicallyseparate baseband modem processors (e.g., BB1, BB2). Themodulator/demodulator 228 may receive data from the baseband modemprocessor 216 and may modulate a carrier signal with encoded data andprovide the modulated signal to the RF resource chain 218 fortransmission. The modulator/demodulator 228 may also extract aninformation-bearing signal from a modulated carrier wave received fromthe RF resource chain 218, and may provide the demodulated signal to thebaseband modem processor 216. The modulator/demodulator 228 may be orinclude a digital signal processor (DSP).

In some optional embodiments, the multimode communication device 200 mayinclude an optional RF resource chain 219 configured similarly to the RFresource chain 218 and coupled to an optional wireless antenna 221. Insuch embodiments, the multimode communication device 200 may leveragethe multiple RF resource chains 218, 219 and antennae 220, 221 toperform diversity receiver reception during a tune-away event.

The baseband modem processor 216 may read and write information to andfrom the memory 222. The memory 222 may also store instructionsassociated with a protocol stack, such as protocol stack S1 222 a andprotocol stack S2 222 b. The protocol stacks S1 222 a, S2 222 bgenerally include computer executable instructions to enablecommunication using a radio access protocol or communication protocol.Each protocol stack S1 222 a, S2 222 b typically includes networkprotocol layers structured hierarchically to provide networkingcapabilities. The modem 230 may include one or more of the protocolstacks S1 222 a, S2 222 b to enable communication using one or moreRATs. The protocol stacks S1 222 a, S2 222 b may be associated with aSIM card (e.g., SIM-1 204 a, SIM-2 204 b) configured with asubscription. For example, the protocol stack S1 222 a and the protocolstack S2 222 b may be associated with the SIM-1 204 a. The illustrationof only two protocol stacks S1 222 a, S2 222 b is not intended as alimitation, and the memory 222 may store more than two protocol stacks(not illustrated).

Each SIM and/or RAT in the multimode communication device 200 (e.g.,SIM-1 204 a, SIM-2 204 b) may be coupled to the modem 230 and may beassociated with or permitted to use an RF resource chain. The term “RFresource chain” refers to all of the circuitry used to send and/orreceive RF signals. For example, an RF resource chain may include thebaseband modem processor 216 that performs baseband/modem functions forcommunicating with/controlling a RAT, one or more radio units includingtransmitter and receiver components that are shown as RF resource chain218, one or more wireless antenna 220, and additional circuitry that mayinclude one or more amplifiers and radios. A multimode communicationdevice 200 may also include an optional RF resource chain 219 and anoptional wireless antenna 221. In some embodiments, an RF resource chainmay share a common baseband modem processor 216 (i.e., a single devicethat performs baseband/modem functions for all RATs on the multimodecommunication device). In some embodiments, each RF resource chain mayinclude the physically or logically separate baseband processors (e.g.,BB1, BB2).

The RF resource chains 218, 219 may include transceivers associated withone or more RATs and may perform transmit/receive functions for themultimode communication device on behalf of their respective RATs. TheRF resource chains 218, 219 may include separate transmit and receivecircuitry. In some embodiments, the RF resource chain 218 may includeonly receive circuitry. The RF resource chains 218, 219 may each becoupled to a wireless antenna (e.g., the first wireless antenna 220 andthe second wireless antenna 221). The RF resource chains 218, 219 mayalso be coupled to the modem 230 (e.g., via the modulator/demodulator228, the baseband modem processor 216, or another component).

In some embodiments, the general-purpose processor 206, memory 214,baseband processor(s) 216, and the RF resource chains 218, 219 may beincluded in the multimode communication device 200 as a system-on-chip.In some embodiments, the first and second SIMs 204 a, 204 b and theircorresponding interfaces 202 a, 202 b may be external to thesystem-on-chip. Further, various input and output devices may be coupledto components on the system-on-chip, such as interfaces or controllers.Example user input components suitable for use in the multimodecommunication device 200 may include, but are not limited to, a keypad224 and a touchscreen display 226.

In some embodiments, the keypad 224, the touchscreen display 226, themicrophone 212, or a combination thereof may perform the function ofreceiving the request to initiate an outgoing call. For example, thetouchscreen display 226 may receive a selection of a contact from acontact list and/or may receive a telephone number. In another example,either or both of the touchscreen display 226 and microphone 212 mayperform the function of receiving a request to initiate an outgoingcall. As another example, the request to initiate the outgoing call maybe in the form of a voice command received via the microphone 212.Interfaces may be provided between the various software modules andfunctions in the multimode communication device 200 to enablecommunication between them.

Functioning together, the two SIMs 204 a, 204 b, the basebandprocessor(s) 216, RF resource chains 218, 219, and the antennas 220, 221may enable communications on two or more RATs. For example, one SIM,baseband processor, and RF resource chain may be configured to supporttwo different RATs. In some embodiments, more RATs may be supported onthe multimode communication device 200 by adding more SIM cards, SIMinterfaces, RF resource chains, and antennas for connecting toadditional mobile networks.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for managing usage of radio accesstechnologies in a multimode communication device (e.g., the multimodecommunication device 110, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to someembodiments. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the method 300 may beimplemented by a multimode communication device (e.g., the multimodecommunication device 110, 200), such as under the control of a processor(e.g., the general-purpose processor 206, the baseband processor 216, aseparate controller, and/or the like) of the multimode communicationdevice (i.e., a device processor).

In block 302, the method 300 may be initiated when the processorperforms a power up process of the multimode communication device (i.e.,the processor may power up the multimode communication device) orrecovers from an out-of-service condition. In block 304, the processormay scan for one or more signals of one or more RATs transmitted by oneor more networks and/or access points. In some implementations, theprocessor may scan for the signals of the one or more RATs in a priorityorder of RATs. Such priority order may be implemented by a networkoperator, or by a user of the multimode communication device. In someimplementations, the priority order may be set or updated using anover-the-air (OTA) signal.

In determination block 306, the processor may determine whether theprocessor has received a signal of a highest priority RAT. In someimplementations, the highest priority RAT may be a RAT with the highestavailable data throughput and/or data rate from among a list of RATs.The list of RATs may be the priority list of RATs.

In response to determining that the processor has received a signal ofthe highest priority RAT (i.e., determination block 306 =“Yes”), theprocessor may establish a communication link using the highest priorityRAT in block 308. For example, the processor may establish thecommunication link with a base station of a communication network (e.g.,the base station 130, 135). In block 310, the processor may communicateusing the highest priority RAT. If the processor determines that one ormore metrics of the communication link using the highest priority RATdrops below a threshold (such as a signal strength or signal qualitydropping below a threshold, e.g., due to degradation or loss of signal),the processor may repeat the method 300.

In response to determining that the processor has not received a signalof the highest priority RAT (i.e., determination block 308=“No”), theprocessor may determine whether it has received a signal of another RAT(i.e., a RAT that is not the highest priority RAT) in determinationblock 312. In some implementations, the processor may receive two ormore signals of other RATs, and may select a highest-priority RAT fromamong the two or more other RATs. In some implementations, the processormay scan for one or more signals of other RATs (i.e., not the highestpriority RAT) in the priority order. In response to determining that theprocessor has not received a signal of another RAT (i.e., determinationblock 312=“No”), the device processor may continue to scan for signalsof one or more RATs in block 304.

In response to determining that the processor has received a signal ofanother RAT (i.e., a RAT that is not the highest priority RAT) (i.e.,determination block 312=“Yes”), the device processor may establish acommunication link using the RAT of the received signal in block 314.For example, the processor may establish the communication link with abase station of a communication network (e.g., the base station 130,135). In block 316, the processor may communicate using the RAT of theestablished communication link.

In determination block 320, the processor may determine whether themultimode communication is stationary. For example, the processor maydetermine whether one or more characteristics of the establishedcommunication link have not changed by a threshold amount and/or themultimode communication device has remained within a threshold radius orarea for a threshold period of time.

The processor may determine whether the multimode communication deviceis stationary or has moved using a variety of mechanisms and resourcesthat can detect a change in location of the multimode communicationdevice.

In some implementations, the processor may monitor one or more aspectsof the communication link. For example, the processor may monitor asignal level of the established communication link. A signal from acommunication network may include a signal from a cellular access point,a signal from a short-range access point (e.g., Wi-Fi), and othersimilar signals. In various embodiments, the multimode communicationdevice may monitor the signal of the communication link for one or morechanges in the signal. The signal of the communication link may includeone or more channels, such as a traffic channel, a pilot channel, one ormore out-of-band channels, and other channels. A change in thecommunication link may include a decrease or increase in a signalstrength of the communication link beyond a threshold, an increase ordecrease in packet loss rate, an increase or decrease in a block errorrate, a change in the modulation and coding scheme (MCS) used tocommunicate over the communication link, or another change incommunication link conditions that indicates that the multimodecommunication device has moved from its previous stationary location. Insome implementations, the processor may determine that the multimodecommunication device is not stationary in response to determining thatone or more aspects of the communication link signal have changed beyonda threshold level. In some implementations, the processor may determinethat the multimode communication device is not stationary in response todetermining that one or more aspects of the communication link signalhave changed beyond a threshold level within a threshold period of time.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor may determine whether themultimode communication device is stationary using one or moreresources, other than a resource related to the establishedcommunication link, that can detect a change in location of themultimode communication device. Examples of such other resources includeone or more of information received from a GNSS or GPS receiver, anaccelerometer, other RAT receivers (e.g., a Wi-Fi transceiver that maydetect signals from an access point), a transceiver that receives anon-data bearer signal (e.g., a pilot signal, a control signal, oranother similar signal that does not carry bearer data traffic, e.g.,that may be used for base station/access point triangulation), and oneor more base station/access point identifiers. In some implementations,the processor may determine that the multimode communication device isnot stationary in response to determining that the location of themultimode communication device has changed beyond a threshold distancewithin a threshold period of time. The threshold distance may be athreshold radius or a threshold area.

In response to determining that the multimode communication device isnot stationary (i.e., determination block 320=“No”), the processor maycontinue to scan for one or more signals of one or more RATs in block304.

In response to determining that the multimode communication device isstationary (i.e., determination block 320=“Yes”) and that acommunication link is established with a RAT that is not the highestpriority RAT (block 314), the processor may prevent or block scanningfor a signal of the highest priority RAT in block 322.

In block 324, the processor may monitor for one or more changes in thecommunication link and/or the location of the multimode communicationdevice. The processor may do so by monitoring the signal characteristicsand/or resources discussed above with respect to determination block320. For example, the processor may monitor for a decrease or increasein a signal strength of the communication link beyond a threshold, anincrease or decrease in packet loss rate, an increase or decrease in ablock error rate, a change in the modulation and coding scheme (MCS)used to communicate over the communication link, or another change incommunication link conditions that indicates that the multimodecommunication device has moved from its previous stationary location.The processor may determine that the multimode communication device hasmoved or is no longer stationary (and therefore RAT scanning should bereactivated) in response to determining that one or more aspects of thecommunication link signal and/or the location of the multimodecommunication device have changed beyond a threshold level.

Additionally or alternatively, as part of the operations of block 324,the processor may determine whether the multimode communication deviceis stationary using other resources that can detect a change in locationof the device. For example, the processor may monitor a resource thatcan detect a change in location of the multimode communication devicefor a signal indicating that the multimode communication device hasmoved. The resource may include one or more of a GNSS/GPS receiver,other RAT receivers, location information received from the network withwhich the communication link is established, base station/access pointtriangulation, and one or more base station/access point identifiers.For example, the processor may detect a change in information receivedby a GNSS or GPS receiver, or from a communication network, indicatingthat the multimode communication device is stationary, or has moved. Asanother example, the processor may perform base station triangulation todetermine the location of the multimode communication device. As anotherexample, the processor may detect a new base station or access pointidentifier, or may detect the loss of a base station or access pointidentifier, which may indicate that the multimode communication devicehas moved.

Further as part of the operations in block 324, the processor may alsodetermine that the multimode communication device has moved or is notstationary by monitoring one or more aspects of the communication linksignal and/or the location of the multimode communication device todetermine whether these parameters have changed beyond a threshold levelwithin a threshold period of time.

In determination block 326, the processor may determine whether one ormore changes in the communication link and/or the location of themultimode communication device are detected (e.g., beyond a thresholdlevel). This determination enables the processor to detect when themultimode communication device has moved far enough that is possiblethat a higher priority RAT has become available.

In response to determining that one or more changes in the communicationlink and/or the location of the multimode communication device are notdetected (i.e., determination block 326=“No”), the processor maycontinue to prevent or block scanning for a signal of the highestpriority RAT in block 322.

In response to determining that one or more changes in the communicationlink and/or the location of the multimode communication device aredetected (i.e., determination block 326=“Yes”), the processor mayreactivate scanning for one or more signals of one or more RATs in block304.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for managing usage of radio accesstechnologies in a multimode communication device (e.g., the multimodecommunication device 110, 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2) according to someembodiments. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the method 400 may beimplemented by a multimode communication device (e.g., the multimodecommunication device 110, 200), such as under the control of a processor(e.g., the general-purpose processor 206, the baseband processor 216, aseparate controller, and/or the like) of the multimode communicationdevice (i.e., a device processor). In blocks 302-320 and 326, theprocessor may perform operations of like-numbered blocks of the method300 as described with reference to FIG. 3.

In block 402, in response to determining that the multimodecommunication device is stationary (i.e., determination block320=“Yes”), the processor may prevent (or block) scanning for a signalof RATs other than the RAT of the established communication link. Thatis, in some situations in which the processor has determined that asignal of the highest priority RAT is not received, the processor mayestablish the communication link using a signal of another RAT. Further,the processor may block or prevent scanning for any other signals ofother RATs other than the signal that the processor is using tocommunicate while the multimode communication device remains stationary.

Thus, various embodiments may improve the operation of a multimodecommunication device by dynamically disabling or preventing a scan ofone or more signals of RATs other than a signal/RAT that the multimodecommunication device is using for communication while the multimodecommunication device is stationary. The multimode communication devicemay thereby reduce unnecessary consumption of communication resourcesand power. Various embodiments may particularly improve the operation ofmultimode communication devices that are configured to perform machinetype communication (MTC).

Various embodiments illustrated and described are provided merely asexamples to illustrate various features of the claims. However, featuresshown and described with respect to any given embodiment are notnecessarily limited to the associated embodiment and may be used orcombined with other embodiments that are shown and described. Further,the claims are not intended to be limited by any one example embodiment.For example, one or more of the operations of the method 300 may besubstituted or combined with one or more operations of the method 400and vice versa.

Various embodiments may be implemented in any of a variety of multimodecommunication device, examples of which (e.g., multimode communicationdevices 500 and 600) are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In variousembodiments, the multimode communication device 500 and 600 may besimilar to the multimode communication devices 110 and 200 as describedwith reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. As such, the multimode communicationdevices 500 and 600 may implement the methods 300 and 400.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, the multimode communication device 500 mayinclude a processor 502 coupled to internal memory 503. The multimodecommunication device 500 may include an antenna 504 for sending andreceiving electromagnetic signals and a wireless signal transceiver 505for sending and receiving communications, coupled to each other and/orto the processor 502. The transceiver 505 and antenna 504 may be usedwith the above-mentioned circuitry to implement the various wirelesstransmission protocol stacks and interfaces. The multimode communicationdevice 500 may include one or more cellular network wireless modemchip(s) 510 coupled to the processor 502 and antenna 504 that enablescommunication via one or more communication networks via one or moreRATs.

The processor 502 may be one or more multi-core integrated circuitsdesignated for general or specific processing tasks. The internal memory503 may be volatile or non-volatile memory, and may also be secureand/or encrypted memory, or unsecure and/or unencrypted memory, or anycombination thereof. The processor 502 may also be coupled to a display522 of the multimode communication device, which may include atouchscreen panel, such as a resistive-sensing touchscreen,capacitive-sensing touchscreen, infrared sensing touchscreen, etc.Additionally, the display 522 need not have touch screen capability. Themultimode communication device 500 may also include one or more physicalbuttons 512, 514, for receiving inputs.

The multimode communication device 500 may include one or morecommunication interfaces 518 that may be coupled to the processor 502,to enable the multimode communication device to communicate with one ormore other devices or systems. In some implementations, thecommunication interfaces 518 may enable the multimode communicationdevice 500 to conduct machine type communication with the one or moreother devices or systems.

The multimode communication device 500 may include an accelerometer 506coupled to the processor 502 that may be used to detect movement of thedevice. The multimode communication device 500 may also include one ormore sensors 508 that may be coupled to the processor 502. The sensors508 may be configured to detect one or more inputs, signals, orconditions of a connected other device or system.

The multimode communication device 500 may include a power source 522coupled to the processor 502, such as a disposable or rechargeablebattery. The multimode communication device 500 may also include ahousing 520, constructed of a plastic, metal, or a combination ofmaterials, for containing all or some of the components discussedherein.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, in various embodiments, the multimodecommunication device 600 may include a processor 602 coupled to atouchscreen controller 604 and an internal memory 606. The processor 602may be one or more multi-core integrated circuits designated for generalor specific processing tasks. The internal memory 606 may be volatile ornon-volatile memory, and may also be secure and/or encrypted memory, orunsecure and/or unencrypted memory, or any combination thereof. Thetouchscreen controller 604 and the processor 602 may also be coupled toa touchscreen panel 612, such as a resistive-sensing touchscreen,capacitive-sensing touchscreen, infrared sensing touchscreen, etc.Additionally, the display of the multimode communication device 600 neednot have touch screen capability.

The multimode communication device 600 may have two or more radio signaltransceivers 608 (e.g., Peanut, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, RF radio) andantennae 610, for sending and receiving communications, coupled to eachother and/or to the processor 602. The transceivers 608 and antennae 610may be used with the above-mentioned circuitry to implement the variouswireless transmission protocol stacks and interfaces. The multimodecommunication device 600 may include one or more cellular networkwireless modem chip(s) 616 coupled to the processor and antennae 610that enables communication via two or more cellular networks via two ormore radio access technologies.

The multimode communication device 600 may include a peripheral deviceconnection interface 618 coupled to the processor 602. The peripheraldevice connection interface 618 may be singularly configured to acceptone type of connection, or may be configured to accept various types ofphysical and communication connections, common or proprietary, such asUSB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, or PCIe. The peripheral device connectioninterface 618 may also be coupled to a similarly configured peripheraldevice connection port (not shown).

The multimode communication device 600 may also include speakers 614 forproviding audio outputs. The multimode communication device 600 may alsoinclude a housing 620, constructed of a plastic, metal, or a combinationof materials, for containing all or some of the components discussedherein. The multimode communication device 600 may include a powersource 622 coupled to the processor 602, such as a disposable orrechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may also be coupled tothe peripheral device connection port to receive a charging current froma source external to the multimode communication device 600. Themultimode communication device 600 may also include a physical button624 for receiving user inputs. The multimode communication device 600may also include a power button 626 for turning the multimodecommunication device 600 on and off.

The processors 502 and 602 may be any programmable microprocessor,microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips that can be configuredby software instructions (applications) to perform a variety offunctions, including the functions of various embodiments describedbelow. In some mobile wireless devices, multiple processors 502 and 602may be provided, such as one processor dedicated to wirelesscommunication functions and one processor dedicated to running otherapplications. Typically, software applications may be stored in theinternal memory 503, 606 before they are accessed and loaded into theprocessors 502 and 602. The processors 502 and 602 may include internalmemory sufficient to store the application software instructions.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the blocks of various embodiments must be performed in theorder presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art theorder of blocks in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intendedto limit the order of the blocks; these words are simply used to guidethe reader through the description of the methods. Further, anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting theelement to the singular.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm blocks described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, orcombinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability ofhardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,circuits, and blocks have been described above generally in terms oftheir functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented ashardware or software depends upon the particular application and designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of variousembodiments.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logicalblocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with ageneral-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Ageneral-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of communication devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. Alternatively, some blocks ormethods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a givenfunction.

In various embodiments, the functions described may be implemented inhardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implementedin software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions orcode on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or non-transitoryprocessor-readable medium. The operations of a method or algorithmdisclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable softwaremodule, which may reside on a non-transitory computer-readable orprocessor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer-readable orprocessor-readable storage media may be any storage media that may beaccessed by a computer or a processor. By way of example but notlimitation, such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readablemedia may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired programcode in the form of instructions or data structures and that may beaccessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compactdisc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD),floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce datamagnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofnon-transitory computer-readable and processor-readable media.Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as oneor any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on anon-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readablemedium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentembodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thescope of the embodiments. Thus, various embodiments are not intended tobe limited to the embodiments shown herein but are to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles andnovel features disclosed herein.

1. A method implemented on a multimode communication device for managingusage of radio access technologies (RATs), comprising: determiningwhether a RAT of an established communication link is not a highestpriority RAT; determining whether the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within a threshold area or radius for athreshold period of time; preventing the multimode communication devicefrom scanning for a signal of one or more RATs other than the RAT of theestablished communication link in response to determining that the RATof the established communication link is not a highest priority RAT andwhile the location of the multimode communication device remains withinthe threshold area or radius for the threshold period of time.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring for one or morechanges in the established communication link; and scanning for a signalof the one or more RATs other than the RAT of the establishedcommunication link in response to detecting one or more changes in theestablished communication link.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereindetecting one or more changes in the established communication linkcomprises determining that the one or more changes in the establishedcommunication link exceed a threshold.
 4. The method of claim 2, whereindetecting one or more changes in the established communication linkcomprises determining whether a received signal strength of theestablished communication link has increased or decreased by an amountthat exceeds a threshold.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:scanning for a signal of the one or more RATs other than the RAT of theestablished communication link in response to determining that thelocation of the multimode communication device exceeds the thresholdarea or radius for the threshold period of time.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein determining whether the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within the threshold area or radius for thethreshold period of time comprises: monitoring a resource that candetect a change in location of the multimode communication device for asignal indicating that the multimode communication device has moved; anddetermining from the signal whether the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within the threshold area or radius for thethreshold period of time.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the resourcethat can detect a change in location of the multimode communicationdevice comprises one or more of a global navigation satellite systemreceiver, a global positioning satellite system receiver, anaccelerometer, a transceiver receiving a non-data bearer signal, a basestation identifier, and an access point identifier.
 8. A multimodecommunication device, comprising: a radio frequency (RF) resourceconfigured to support a plurality of radio access technologies (RATs);and a processor coupled to the RF resource and configured withprocessor-executable instructions to perform operations comprising:determining whether a RAT of an established communication link is not ahighest priority RAT; determining whether the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within a threshold area or radius for athreshold period of time; preventing the multimode communication devicefrom scanning for a signal of one or more RATs other than the RAT of theestablished communication link in response to determining that the RATof the established communication link is not a highest priority RAT andwhile the location of the multimode communication device remains withinthe threshold area or radius for the threshold period of time.
 9. Themultimode communication device of claim 8, wherein the processor isconfigured with processor-executable instructions to perform operationsfurther comprising: monitoring for one or more changes in theestablished communication link; and scanning for a signal of the one ormore RATs other than the RAT of the established communication link inresponse to detecting one or more changes in the establishedcommunication link.
 10. The multimode communication device of claim 9,wherein the processor is configured with processor-executableinstructions to perform operations such that detecting one or morechanges in the established communication link comprises determining thatthe one or more changes in the established communication link exceed athreshold.
 11. The multimode communication device of claim 9, whereinthe processor is configured with processor-executable instructions toperform operations such that detecting one or more changes in theestablished communication link comprises determining whether a receivedsignal strength of the established communication link has increased ordecreased by an amount that exceeds a threshold.
 12. The multimodecommunication device of claim 8, wherein the processor is configuredwith processor-executable instructions to perform operations furthercomprising: scanning for a signal of the one or more RATs other than theRAT of the established communication link in response to determiningthat the location of the multimode communication device exceeds thethreshold area or radius for the threshold period of time.
 13. Themultimode communication device of claim 8, wherein the processor isconfigured with processor-executable instructions to perform operationssuch that determining whether the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within the threshold area or radius for thethreshold period of time-comprises: monitoring a resource that candetect a change in location of the multimode communication device for asignal indicating that the multimode communication device has moved; anddetermining from the signal whether the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within the threshold area or radius for thethreshold period of time.
 14. The multimode communication device ofclaim 13, wherein the resource that can detect a change in location ofthe multimode communication device comprises one or more of a globalnavigation satellite system receiver, a global positioning satellitesystem receiver, an accelerometer, a transceiver receiving a non-databearer signal, a base station identifier, and an access pointidentifier.
 15. A non-transitory processor-readable storage mediumhaving stored thereon processor-executable instructions configured tocause a processor of a multimode communication device to performoperations for managing usage of radio access technologies (RATs),comprising: determining whether a RAT of an established communicationlink is not a highest priority RAT; determining whether the location ofthe multimode communication device remains within a threshold area orradius for a threshold period of time; preventing the multimodecommunication device from scanning for a signal of one or more RATsother than the RAT of the established communication link in response todetermining that the RAT of the established communication link is not ahighest priority RAT and while the location of the multimodecommunication device remains within the threshold area or radius for thethreshold period of time.
 16. The non-transitory processor-readablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the stored processor-executableinstructions are configured to cause the processor of the multimodecommunication device to perform operations further comprising:monitoring for one or more changes in the established communicationlink; and scanning for a signal of the one or more RATs other than theRAT of the established communication link in response to detecting oneor more changes in the established communication link.
 17. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 16, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause theprocessor of the multimode communication device to perform operationssuch that detecting one or more changes in the established communicationlink comprises determining that the one or more changes in theestablished communication link exceed a threshold.
 18. Thenon-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 16, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause theprocessor of the multimode communication device to perform operationssuch that detecting one or more changes in the established communicationlink comprises determining whether a received signal strength of theestablished communication link has increased or decreased by an amountthat exceeds a threshold.
 19. The non-transitory processor-readablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the stored processor-executableinstructions are configured to cause the processor of the multimodecommunication device to perform operations further comprising: scanningfor a signal of the one or more RATs other than the RAT of theestablished communication link in response to determining that thelocation of the multimode communication device exceeds the thresholdarea or radius for the threshold period of time.
 20. The non-transitoryprocessor-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the processorof the multimode communication device to perform operations such thatdetermining whether the location of the multimode communication deviceremains within the threshold area or radius for the threshold period oftime comprises: monitoring a resource that can detect a change inlocation of the multimode communication device for a signal indicatingthat the multimode communication device has moved; and determining fromthe signal whether the location of the multimode communication deviceremains within the threshold distance for the threshold period of time.21. The non-transitory processor-readable storage medium of claim 20,wherein the resource that can detect a change in location of themultimode communication device comprises one or more of a globalnavigation satellite system receiver, a global positioning satellitesystem receiver, an accelerometer, a transceiver receiving a non-databearer signal, a base station identifier, and an access pointidentifier.
 22. A multimode communication device, comprising: means fordetermining whether a radio access technology (RAT) of an establishedcommunication link is not a highest priority RAT; means for determiningwhether the location of the multimode communication device remainswithin a threshold area or radius for a threshold period of time; meansfor preventing the multimode communication device from scanning for asignal of one or more RATs other than the RAT of the establishedcommunication link in response to determining that the RAT of theestablished communication link is not a highest priority RAT and whilethe location of the multimode communication device remains within thethreshold area or radius for the threshold period of time.
 23. Themultimode computing device of claim 22, further comprising: means formonitoring for one or more changes in the established communicationlink; and means for scanning for a signal of the one or more RATs otherthan the RAT of the established communication link in response todetecting one or more changes in the established communication link. 24.The multimode computing device of claim 23, wherein means for detectingone or more changes in the established communication link comprisesmeans for determining that the one or more changes in the establishedcommunication link exceed a threshold.
 25. The multimode computingdevice of claim 23, wherein means for detecting one or more changes inthe established communication link comprises means for determiningwhether a received signal strength of the established communication linkhas increased or decreased by an amount that exceeds a threshold. 26.The multimode computing device of claim 22, further comprising: meansfor scanning for a signal of the one or more RATs other than the RAT ofthe established communication link in response to determining that thelocation of the multimode communication device exceeds the thresholdarea or radius for the threshold period of time.
 27. The multimodecomputing device of claim 22, wherein means for determining whether thelocation of the multimode communication device remains within thethreshold area or radius for the threshold period of time comprises:means for monitoring a resource that can detect a change in location ofthe multimode communication device for a signal indicating that themultimode communication device has moved; and means for determining fromthe signal whether the location of the multimode communication deviceremains within the threshold area or radius for the threshold period oftime.
 28. The multimode computing device of claim 27, wherein theresource that can detect a change in location of the multimodecommunication device comprises one or more of a global navigationsatellite system receiver, a global positioning satellite systemreceiver, an accelerometer, a transceiver receiving a non-data bearersignal, a base station identifier, and an access point identifier.